Lap trim system and method

ABSTRACT

A lap trim system and method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a pair of flanges joined along a longitudinal edge and extending generally at a right angle to each other and adapted to cover a corner formed by a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding. In addition, the system includes a rear surface along a free edge of each flange having at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange in profile, where the at least one shoulder of each flange is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.

I. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to a lap trim system and method.

II. BACKGROUND

Siding is the outer covering or cladding of a building meant to shed water and protect from the effects of weather. Siding may be attached directly to the building structure or to an intermediate layer of sheathing. Siding may act as a key element in the aesthetic beauty of the building and directly impact its property value. Siding may be formed of horizontal boards or vertical boards. Siding is very versatile in style and can be used on a wide variety of buildings in any color palette desired. Various composite materials are also used for siding such as asphalt, asbestos, fiber cement, aluminum, etc. Composite sidings are available in many styles and can mimic the other siding options. Costs of composites tend to be lower than wood or masonry options, but vary widely as do installation, maintenance and repair requirements. The durability and environmental impact of composite sidings depends on the specific materials used in the manufacturing process.

Avoiding wind and rain infiltration through the joints of siding is a problem that has been addressed in the past by overlapping, by covering or sealing the joints, or by creating an interlocking joint such as a tongue-and-groove or rabbet. Siding in overlapping horizontal rows or “courses” is called clapboard. Since building materials expand and contract with changing temperature and humidity, it is not practical to make rigid joints between the siding elements. Thus, a particular difficult problem when installing siding is making corners watertight. In addition, the overlapping of the siding does not create a smooth surface causing further problems with preventing water intrusion into the building. Several trim pieces must be used to finish the corners and other areas making installation time consuming and expensive. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved trim system for use with siding that is watertight and easy to install.

It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed.

However, in view of the prior art at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

III. SUMMARY

In a particular embodiment, a lap trim system is disclosed. The trim system includes a pair of flanges joined along a longitudinal edge and extending generally at a right angle to each other. The pair of flanges are adapted to cover a corner formed by a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding, where a rear surface along a free edge of each flange may have at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange in profile. In addition, the at least one shoulder of each flange is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding. A longitudinal drainage channel is formed between the pair of flanges by the shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange when the system is installed over the corner of siding. Thus, any moisture that does find its way behind the system is easily drained using the channel to reduce potential water damage and mold growth. The system may be used with any width and depth of siding by adapting the spacing and width of the shoulder. Similarly, any shape or size of trim or decorative element may be adapted to be used with the trim system.

In another particular embodiment, a lap trim method is disclosed. The method includes providing a composite material and configuring the composite material (e.g., foam) to form an architectural shape. A rear surface of the architectural shape may have at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of the architectural shape in profile, where the at least one shoulder is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.

One particular advantage provided by embodiments of the lap trim system and method is that the system is watertight and fits snugly over the overlapping siding. The rear portion of the system has shoulders (or ledges) that are adapted to fit along the lower edge or lip of the siding. This is particularly advantageous in placing the system in a corner of the siding where two rows of siding intersect. The system is adapted to both inside and outside corners. The longitudinal drainage channel formed between the pair of flanges by the shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange when the system is installed over the corner of siding easily drains any moisture that may migrate behind the corner trim. Further, the system may be any desired length to cover any height of the siding that is formed by several rows. In addition, the system may be used as a decorative element. For example, the front of the system may be any decorative or aesthetic element such as a band, shutter, louver, bracket, column, cornice, crown molding, window/door surrounds, keystones, quatrefoils, lettering/numbers, signs, etc. The rear of the system is adapted to fit along the lower edges of the siding by having shoulders spaced to match the spacing and width of the siding.

Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a lap trim system installed in an inside corner of a building;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the lap trim system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the lap trim system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is top view of the lap trim system of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a particular embodiment of a lap trim system installed in an outside corner of a building;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lap trim system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the lap trim system of FIGS. 5 and 6; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a particular illustrative embodiment of a lap trim method.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a particular illustrative embodiment of a lap trim system is disclosed and generally designated 100. Siding is shown installed on the outside wall of a building forming an inside corner where opposing pieces of the siding intersect. A first piece of siding 102 overlaps a portion of a second piece of siding 104 located directly below the first piece of siding 102. The overlapping of the first piece of siding 102 with the second piece of siding 104 causes a ledge or step in the profile of the wall. The inside corner of the wall is formed by abutting the first piece of siding 102 to a third piece of siding 106 at a substantially right angle, which is installed at approximately the same matching height. Similarly, the second piece of siding 104 is abutted to a fourth piece of siding at a substantially right angle and at approximately the same height. The cross section of the system 100 is shown in FIG. 2. The system 100 includes a pair of flanges 120, 122 joined along a longitudinal edge and extending generally at a right angle to each other. A rear surface along a free edge of each flange 120, 122 is thickened so that at least one shoulder is protruding from the rear surface of each flange 120, 122 to match the overlapping profile of the siding.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross section shows the siding 102, 104 installed over the wall 302 of the building. The shoulder 304 of the flange 122 is adapted to fit along a lower edge of a piece of overlapping siding 102, as shown in FIG. 3. A top view of the wall shown in FIG. 4, illustrates the system engaging the siding 104, 106. Flange 120 is adhered to siding 104 and flange 122 is adhered to siding 106. A longitudinal drainage channel 306 is formed between the pair of flanges 120, 122 by the shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange 120, 122 when the system 100 is installed over the corner of siding 104, 106. Thus, any moisture that does find its way behind the system 100 is easily drained using the channel 306 to reduce potential water damage and mold growth. The system 100 may be comprised of lightweight composite material (e.g., foam) so that the pair of flanges 120, 122 may be secured to the overlapping siding using an adhesive, thereby eliminating mechanical fasteners and flashings and reducing labor costs.

A system 500 may also be used with an outside corner as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Similar to the system 100 for an inside corner, the system 500 includes a pair of flanges 508, 510 that are adhered to the siding (e.g., a first piece of siding 502 and a second piece of siding 504) on the wall 302. Caulk may be used between a top joint of the system 500 and the siding 502, 504. The pair of flanges 508, 510 may be polyurethane. The system 500 (or system 100) may also include a substantially horizontal band 512 secured to the pair of flanges 508, 510, where a rear surface of the substantially horizontal band 512 having at least one shoulder adapted to fit along the lower edge of at least one piece of the overlapping siding 502, 504. A rear surface along a free edge of each flange 508, 510 is thickened so that at least one shoulder 514 is protruding from the rear surface of each flange 508, 510 to match the overlapping profile of the siding 502, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

A particular illustrative embodiment of a lap trim method is illustrated in FIG. 8 and generally designated 600. At 602, a composite material is provided. Continuing to 604, an architectural shape is selected for the composite material. The siding width and spacing is determined, at 606. The composite material is then cut, at 608, to form the selected architectural shape, where a rear surface of the architectural shape may have at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of the architectural shape in profile, and where the at least one shoulder is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding. A drainage channel may be formed between the rear surface of the architectural shape when installed over the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding. In addition, the architectural shape may be adapted to fit over an outside or inside corner of the overlapping siding. Subsequently, the architectural shape is adhered to the siding with an adhesive, at 610. A top joint between the architectural shape and the siding may be caulked with a sealant. Further, a longitudinal edge between the architectural shape and the siding may be caulked to make a water tight joint but leaving the bottom of the architectural shape open so that water can drain out. The lap trim method may also include securing a substantially horizontal band to the architectural shape, where the substantially horizontal band may have at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface in profile and the at least one shoulder is adapted to fit along the lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of overlapping siding.

The lap trim method may be used as a decorative element. For example, the front of the system may be any decorative or aesthetic element such as a band, shutter, louver, bracket, column, cornice, crown molding, window/door surrounds, keystones, quatrefoils, lettering/numbers, signs, etc. Accordingly, the illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.52(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. 

1. A lap trim system, the system comprising: a pair of flanges joined along a longitudinal edge and extending generally at a right angle to each other and adapted to cover a corner formed by a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding, wherein a rear surface along a free edge of each flange having at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange in profile, wherein the at least one shoulder of each flange is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 2. The lap trim system of claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal drainage channel formed between the at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of each flange when the lap trim system is installed over the corner of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 3. The lap trim system of claim 2, wherein the pair of flanges are comprised of foam.
 4. The lap trim system of claim 3, wherein the corner of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding is an outside corner.
 5. The lap trim system of claim 3, wherein the corner of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding is an inside corner.
 6. The lap trim system of claim 3, wherein the pair of flanges are secured to the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding using an adhesive.
 7. The lap trim system of claim 3, further comprising a substantially horizontal band secured to the pair of flanges, wherein a rear surface of the substantially horizontal band having at least one shoulder adapted to fit along the lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of overlapping siding.
 8. The lap trim system of claim 1, wherein the pair of flanges are polyurethane.
 9. The lap trim system of claim 6, further comprising caulk between a top joint of the pair of flanges and the at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of siding.
 10. A lap trim system, the system comprising: an architectural shape to secure to a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding; and at least one shoulder protruding from a rear surface of the architectural shape in profile, wherein the at least one shoulder is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 11. A lap trim method, the method comprising: providing a composite material; selecting a desired architectural shape for the composite material; determining a siding width and spacing; and configuring the composite material to form the selected architectural shape, wherein a rear surface of the architectural shape having at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface of the architectural shape in profile, wherein the at least one shoulder is adapted to fit along a lower edge of at least one piece of a plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 12. The lap trim method of claim 11, further comprising forming a drainage channel between the rear surface of the architectural shape when installed over the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 13. The lap trim method of claim 12, wherein the architectural shape is adapted to fit over an outside corner of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 14. The lap trim method of claim 11, wherein the architectural shape is adapted to fit over an inside corner of the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding.
 15. The lap trim method of claim 11, further comprising adhering the architectural shape to the plurality of pieces of overlapping siding with an adhesive.
 16. The lap trim method of claim 11, further comprising caulking between a top joint of the architectural shape and the at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of siding.
 17. The lap trim method of claim 11, wherein the architectural shape is comprised of polyurethane foam.
 18. The lap trim method of claim 11, wherein the architectural shape is a simulated shutter shape.
 19. The lap trim method of claim 11, wherein a longitudinal edge between the architectural shape and the at least one piece of the plurality of pieces of siding is watertight.
 20. The lap trim method of claim 11, further comprising securing a substantially horizontal band to the architectural shape, wherein the substantially horizontal band having at least one shoulder protruding from the rear surface in profile and the at least one shoulder adapted to fit along the lower edge of at least one piece of the plurality of overlapping siding. 